I’m proud to be part of the team at Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold, where we are committed to providing excellent care with a focus on prevention, education, and, of course, smiles. When I’m not counting teeth, you can find my wife, Ellen, and our son Bodie and me cheering on our favorite sports teams, playing outside, and exploring all the great aspects of St. Louis!
I can’t wait to meet you in person!
See Dr. Waite’s publication in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment.
Plus, our fun “under the sea” theme, tablets with Disney+ for entertainment, and prizes at the end of each visit mean most children leave with a smile!
The most common problems we treat are cavities, bite concerns, early tooth loss, and delayed tooth development. During every visit, Dr. Matt examines your child’s teeth, gums, and overall oral health. If anything needs attention, we explain it in plain language and go over all treatment options with you. Depending on what’s needed, we offer fillings, pediatric crowns, pulp therapy, and space maintainers, always keeping your child comfortable throughout.
Call us right away at (314) 230-8615. We provide emergency pediatric dental care and will work to see your child as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a bad toothache, a broken tooth, or a mouth injury, quick care can prevent the situation from getting worse and, in some cases, save the tooth entirely.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit around age one or when your child’s first tooth comes in. If your child is older, that is perfectly fine too. We welcome new patients of all ages. Starting early helps build good habits and gives us a chance to spot any concerns before they develop into bigger problems.
The first visit typically runs about 45 minutes. We start by getting to know your child at a comfortable, relaxed pace. Dr. Matt will gently examine teeth, gums, and bite, take digital X-rays if necessary, and go over your child’s oral health with you. We keep our language simple and friendly the whole time. Before leaving, your child gets to pick a prize from our treasure box, so most kids walk out happy.
Most children benefit from a dental visit every six months. Regular checkups help us catch small issues early, keep track of how teeth and the jaw are developing, and maintain healthy gums. If your child has specific needs, Dr. Matt may suggest a different schedule, which we will discuss with you directly.
We are located at 22 Arnold Mall, Arnold, MO 63010, inside the Arnold Mall area. Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We also see patients on select Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm by appointment. You can reach us by phone at (314) 230-8615 to confirm Saturday availability or to get any help finding us.